Back in England, we supported rescue through donations and attending rescue events such as the Pug Dog Welfare Summer Garden Party. However, there is not a great need for pug rescue fosters in the UK. In fact, there is a waiting list for both becoming a foster and adopting a rescue.

Conversely, we were aware of the great need for rescue organizations in the US. We planned to adopt a rescue pug once we were settled in the US. However, we were completely unprepared for the stark reality of just how important rescue organizations are in the US. Adopting was one thing we could do, but there seemed to be so much more need.

When Cindy (founder of PugHearts of Houston) contacted us to let us know she was starting a pug rescue, we jumped at the chance to help any way we could. Over the next few months our lives changed forever. Being involved in rescue opened our eyes in so many ways. We knew that any further additions to our household would strictly be rescue.

In April 2007, Cindy called us to say she had a scared little lady who had come to PugHearts from a bad situation. She asked us to foster her. We met Cindy in a parking lot and when she opened the back of the car to reveal the crate, the little girl inside literally took my breath away. My heart immediately ached for her and I wanted to hold her. Sadly, she was shaking with fear and was not happy to be held. The rope burns on her neck hinted at the reason why. We took her home determined to help her learn that humans could be good and kind. Richard & I discussed names and decided Maggie, after Margaret Thatcher, was a good fit. She was a little Iron Lady who had survived a horrible life. We promised her that her life would be better.

Eventually, we officially failed as fosters and welcomed Maggie as a permanent part of our family. And I'm also happy to report that this little Iron Lady does indeed rule over our household with an iron paw. She is loved beyond measure. And thankfully she has decided that we will suffice as pug parents.

We have had many fosters come through our home. Some have stayed a short time, some for a long while. Some were not healthy enough to find forever homes and lived their final days in our care. All have touched our hearts.

With all the changes in our lives, we do not foster any longer. We still actively support rescue though and will do for the remainder of our lives. One way we felt we could help was to donate a portion of our proceeds to rescue. As such, any purchase through our Etsy store made with the code "PHH" in the notes field at checkout will support PugHearts of Houston via a 10% donation of the purchase price.

So, help a great rescue and support an Iron Lady in her golden years by shopping with Lady Maggie.